10 Years of So Energy: Michelle's Story

Meet Michelle, our Head of Propositions. From a warehouse full of Wilbur the penguins to championing low-carbon technologies in her own smart home, this Energist’s 10-year journey shows just how much can change over a decade. In this blog, Michelle reflects on leadership, embracing change, and why surrounding yourself with brilliant people makes anything possible.

Ten years ago I was working as a Brand Manager at British Gas, focused on brand strategy, identity, and experience. My days were filled with campaigns, ideas, and, somewhat unexpectedly, a warehouse full of Wilbur the penguins, which had become one of the hottest items everyone wanted to get their hands on. It was a fast-paced role and an exciting time in my career, but it was also a moment where I was asking myself what I really wanted from the next decade.

I’ve always been passionate about energy, and back then, I dreamed of one day being a female leader in the sector. I wanted to shape change in a space that impacts everyone, every day, and to deliver products and propositions that could make a real difference for customers.

Looking at where I am now, I feel incredibly proud of having made that dream a reality. Over the past decade, I’ve married the love of my life, become a step-parent, moved from Scotland to Yorkshire, and taken on new roles across the industry that have pushed me forward and shaped who I am today.

My journey through the energy industry has been both personal and professional. I don’t just work in this sector – I live and breathe it. At home, I have solar panels with battery storage, an EV, and a heat pump. These aren’t just technologies I talk about in meetings; they’re part of my day-to-day life. Experiencing them firsthand has given me a deeper appreciation of the challenges and benefits customers face when adopting new solutions. It also motivates me to help others on their own sustainability journeys.

Joining So Energy in 2024 felt like a natural step. There is something special about this business’s forward-thinking approach and their real focus on supporting customers as the energy landscape shifts. It’s exciting to be part of a company positioned not just to keep pace with change, but to lead it, guiding customers through the adoption of new technologies and ways of living more sustainably.

When I look back, I realise just how much the last decade has transformed me. Ten years ago, I was talking about smart meters and smart thermostats. Now, I’m living with a suite of low-carbon technologies in my own home and helping others do the same. That shift has taught me a valuable lesson: change is constant, and the best thing you can do is embrace it. Be willing to pivot, challenge your own assumptions, and balance gut instinct with data-driven decisions. Stay curious, keep learning, and always surround yourself with brilliant people, because that’s when anything becomes possible.

The energy industry doesn’t stand still, and neither do I. The last ten years have been about growth, resilience, and curiosity. The next ten? I can only imagine what more change is yet to come, and I can’t wait to be part of it.

A lot can change in 10 years, but So Energy’s commitment to supporting their customers through the energy transition and beyond hasn’t.

‍

‍